The first days of school for both of the boys went extremely well!  Dash went in without hesitation and according to his aide did awesome throughout the day.  He didn't want to do P.E. on the first two days, but if that's the only thing he resisted, I can't complain!  I'm so proud of both of them and how well they do in school.  Crash has a genuine LOVE of school.  He sat up Thursday morning and yelled, "It's the first day of school!".  Who does that??  Only a boy who cannot wait to get to the school he enjoys so much.  Looking forward to another fabulous 178 days.  Hoping for the best for Dash and Crash .... Love them so much!

Challenges of an Autistic Brother

There are challenges to having a brother with autism, and Crash has reached the age where he is beginning to see and feel those challenges.  Crash is aware that certain behaviors draw attention and "embarrass" those around you.  He is becoming aware that not everyone embraces the quirkiness of your autistic brother and sometimes they want to exclude him.  But he's 7 and he WANTS to be included, he NEEDS to be included, so there have been times this summer where he has chosen friends over family.  

As a parent, it's a hard lesson to teach.  You completely understand the feelings of your 7 year old, but you also feel the pain when your 10 year old is left crying because he was excluded. Trying to tell your 7 year old that brother's stick together and defend one another has an extra dimension when your brother is different.  

Until now, we have be extremely fortunate that everyone has ALWAYS included Dash and embraced his quirkiness.  I love my friends for that.  They see only the very best in Dash, even when I cannot.  But now we have encountered someone who has not been taught that everyone is different, and you include those people that don't fit your definition of "normal".  It's been a challenge for sure, but we have all learned a lot.  The reality is that not everyone will be as loving as our friends, not everyone will accept Dash for who he is, and we must be prepared for those moments.  Those heartbreaking moments when he is singled out as the odd one and he won't understand.  I know every child feels those moments at one time or another, it's part of life.  It just hurts a little more when your autistic child is excluded for something that is completely beyond his control and he can't make sense of it all.  

We learn by living this crazy thing called life ... each day brings something new, and each day I'm grateful for my two loving, silly, adorable, sometimes difficult boys!

I'm baaaaaack!!  I figure no sense trying to get caught up on the past few years at this point, but I'll start off right where life brings us today.  Dash is 10 years old now and will be entering the fifth grade on Thursday, and Crash is 7 and will be entering second grade!  Crazy, right?!  I know, it's insane how fast they grow.  Just took the boys shoe shopping and Dash is in a MEN'S size 8!!  
Dash has done exceptionally well the past two years in school.  After a rocky start in third grade, and finally getting assigned a one on one aide, Dash has begun to soar.  His fourth grade teacher was beyond phenomenal.  So much so, that I nominated her for a Special Choice award which acknowledges those from the general education realm who go above and beyond to support those students with special needs.  She was one of the 10 or so selected to receive an award!!  She was thrilled!

Mrs. B and Dash after the awards reception

Dash also received special recognition this past year.  He received an award for Citizenship.  We could not have been more proud.  Everyone was so happy for him.  As a matter of fact, all of the fourth grade teachers got tears in their eyes when they called his name.  

Look at that proud smile!

Crash has done equally well!  He had a stellar first grade year.  He earned student of the week and student of the month!  At the end of the year he was awarded Outstanding Physical Fitness and acknowledged for Perfect Attendance.  How did we get blessed with two such awesome boys!!

Crash did very well academically.  He scored at or above grade level in all subject areas.  His teacher was also phenomenal!  Again, how did we get so darn lucky?

 Student of the Month for February

 End of the year with his BFF, G, receiving their awards

The Fabulous Mrs. M and Crash

 Crash also had a fun year in Little League.  He played several different positions and did pretty good and hitting.  Dash continues his 6th year of Able Rider's therapeutic horseback riding and he still loves it!  I guess that's enough for now.  Still taking one day at a time!